Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Grand Rapids, Michigan

Last Updated on August 29, 2023 by Nikki Jain

Grand Rapids, Michigan is not afraid to offer significantly more surprises to foreign and local visitors. The city is rich in historical, social and many other riches. From the beautiful beaches to the exhibition halls along the streets, here is a list of the top 10 attractions you should visit in Grand Rapids:

Things To Do in Grand Rapids

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1: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Flickr/Robert Emperley

Sculptures can be heavily fortified or guarded, and thus, visitors cannot have close contact with these art pieces. But this is different with the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park located in Grand Rapids. There is a botanical garden with a collection of plant varieties for everyone to see. The fact that this is also among the 10 most visited art museums in the world tells you that this park has amazing things to see.

Address: 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

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2: Meyer May House

Meyer May House
Flickr/Daniel

You may think this is just like a typical house, but you will be surprised; this is not just a house. Built in the early 1900s and still standing on its foundation, the Meyer May House, named after the person who commissioned it, is a haven for many spectacles that one can experience at no cost. Tours are offered around the house to show you through all its corners while updating you about the history behind the house. There is a collection of photos that show you how the house looked in the 1900s compared to how it is presently.

Address: 450 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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3: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Flickr/Shannon McGee

The United States of America has had many presidents, including the renowned Gerald R. Ford. He even has a museum named after him, which gives you a very rare glimpse into his life while he served as the most powerful man in the world. The museum has student learning centers, interactive exhibits and photos of the president as he interacted with various dignitaries, family and friends. Close to 20,000 artifacts depicting the life of Gerald are also on display.

Address: 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

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4: Grand Rapids Public Museum

Grand Rapids Public Museum
Flickr/Steven Depolo

Located at 272 Pearl Street NW, coming here as a tourist exposes you to a grand reception from the locals, and you get to see one of the oldest museums in the United States of America. A 1928 merry-go-round takes you on a ride through history and has some exhibits, among them a furniture city, a creation of the business city of Grand Rapids in a very realistic manner, and an alphabet-linked exhibit, which means you can find exhibits more easily based on the first letter of its name. The museum is also an architectural marvel and is indeed a fantastic experience packaged in small bundles of awesomeness.

Address: 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

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5: Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse

Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse
Flickr/Rachel Kramer

The famous Italian painter Leonardo da Vinci owned a horse that tourists can now come and see as a bronze sculpture that is 24 feet tall. Both adults, children, and senior citizens are welcome, each with a different entry price. The sculpture is based on a sketch by Leonardo da Vinci himself. He commissioned it in the mid-1400s.

Address: Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

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6: Van Andel Arena

Van Andel Arena
Flickr/Jeremy Bronson

President Barrack Obama is one of the prominent people who have held an event in this arena, and thus, making this place your next stop will guarantee you nothing but pure fun. With over 10,000 capacity, the Van Andel Arena, located on West Fulton Street, is a place where you can see live games like basketball, bull riders, and music concerts, just to list a few. You will always see this place alive with a frenzy of activities and games to cheer you up.

Address: 130 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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7: Grand Rapids Art Museum

Grand Rapids Art Museum
Flickr/Michael Mol

A place named after the city it is located means it has some amazing things to offer you. Located at 101 Monroe Center, this is just one of the places where you can see thousands of artifacts dating back to the European Renaissance. Apart from old art, you will also see modern art by famous artists like Richard Diebenkorn, who was famous for his abstract expression. You only get to see this when you visit this place.

Address: 101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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8: John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo
Flickr/DebMomOf3

Opened in 1891, visiting this zoo makes you feel one with nature. Over 200 species of more than 1000 animals are in the zoo, giving you a wild adventure and a half. This zoo has some of the best wild animals in a habitat close to nature. Mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and invertebrates, amongst others, are some animals found in the zoo. It also has young animals who are thriving and consider the zoo as their home.

Address: 1300 West Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

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9: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Flickr/Rachel Kramer

Children’s museums are not common, and when you get to one, the experience is certainly worthwhile. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, located in Grand Rapids, is where you could take your kids for their next tour and have a kid destruction frenzy at the kidstruction zone that gives them plenty of room to do all forms of destruction. There is also a family banquet on offer. This place is popular for the various packages, programs and field trips it offers to fill you with thrills and adrenaline throughout the entire day.

Address: 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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Also Read: The Best Children's Museums in the USA


10: Fish Ladder Sculpture

Fish Ladder Sculpture
Flickr/ellenm1

This Sculpture is located at 560 Front Ave under the ingenious design of a man by the name of Joseph Kinebrew. The place has a sculpture that is as fascinating as you could ever imagine. The sculpture allows fish to maneuver properly in the spring, and the fish around the area jump on the ladder sculpture. You can visit and watch the fish jump by yourself in this amazing spectacle.

Address: 560 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

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